Salads are known for being a healthy meal, but one thing that can ruin the health benefits of salad is the dressing. That’s why nutritionist, Cynthia Sass has just spoken out to let the public know what she believes the five healthiest salad dressings are.

Extra virgin olive oil vinaigrette

Sass described this Antioxidant-rich dressing as a “true superfood.” She explained that studies have shown that this dressing can reduce brain and body inflammation, protect brain function and memory, help regulate blood sugar and insulin levels, and help ward off cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and strokes. On top of that, it is satiating, so you will feel full. Despite this feeling, some studies have shown that it contributes more to weight loss than gain.

Tahini

Made from ground sesame seeds, Tahini is dairy free despite the creamy look it has. You can find Tahini at any supermarket, but Sass warns that you should make sure to find a brand that uses sesame seeds as the only ingredient.

Guacamole

Sass said that avocado is a “nutritional all-star” that is full of “anti-aging, disease-fighting antioxidants, and nearly 20 different vitamins and minerals.” Avocado boosts the absorption of antioxidants, slashing “bad” LDL cholesterol and upping “good” HDL levels; and helping to regulate blood pressure. On top of that, people who eat avocado regularly have been shown to weigh less!

Hummus

This option is dairy free and full of nutrients. The ways of making hummus varies, but the typical recipe includes chickpeas, EVOO or tahini (or both), lemon, garlic, salt, and pepper. Those who eat hummus have been shown to have a higher intake of nutrients like fiber, folate, magnesium, potassium, iron, and vitamins A, E, and C. Government data has stated that those who eat hummus are 53% less likely to be obese.

Do you make your own #hummus? I rely on store bought when I don’t have time, but whenever I can I like to whip up my own. ? Here’s the recipe for a super simple lemon pepper version (from my newest book – swipe to 2nd pic) ————————— INGREDIENTS for one serving: ½ cup chickpeas 2 tablespoons tahini 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed juice from an organic lemon ¼ teaspoon fresh organic lemon zest 1/16 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/16 teaspoon black pepper 1/16 teaspoon cumin 2 tablespoons water INSTRUCTIONS: In a blender or food processor, puree chickpeas with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, zest, cayenne, black pepper, cumin, and water until smooth. Serve with raw veggies. ? And here are 7 more ways I like to use hummus: ✔️as a creamy salad dressing or coating for chopped or shredded veggies ✔️to make or thicken sauces or soups (try 2 parts hummus, 1 part veggie broth) ✔️as a mayo alternative to make potato salad, egg salad, deviled eggs, tuna salad, etc. ✔️tossed with spaghetti squash ✔️spread onto sweet potato toast ✔️ as a topping for oven roasted potatoes (fingerling, baby, red skinned, etc.) ✔️layered between grilled veggies (like Portobello mushrooms, bell peppers, tomato) ? Are you a hummus lover too? How do you like to make and/or enjoy it?

A post shared by Cynthia Sass, MPH, RDN, CSSD (@cyn_sass) on Apr 23, 2018 at 2:03am PDT

Pesto

Pesto is not often thought of as a salad dressing, but it’s actually a tasty item that is full of healthy ingredients. Pesto has all the benefits of extra virgin olive oil vinaigrette plus additional antioxidants from the basil and nuts.

What’s your favorite type of salad dressing? Let us know in the comments section!